Salvia yangii

Common Names

Russian Sage

Summary

Salvia yangii, commonly called Russian Sage, is a herbaceous or semi-woody perennial from Central Asia with an upright, shrub-like habit. Silvery-gray, aromatic leaves on four-sided, sturdy stems support tall panicles of lavender-blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall, creating a hazy, elevated effect and a sage-like scent when foliage is crushed; the plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

In cultivation, full sun and well-drained soils are preferred, with drought tolerance once established; space plants 2–3 feet apart and water deeply during the first year to develop a strong root system, thereafter tolerating drought; prune in early spring to maintain shape, and avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot. Propagation can be by seed, cuttings, or division; deer- and rabbit-resistant, and suitable for borders, fillers, xeriscapes, and containers.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

24 inches-5 feet

Spread

24-48 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates some shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, preferably sandy or gravelly loam with a slightly alkaline pH of about 6.0–8.0 (tolerating up to 8.5).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.5, slightly acidic to alkaline

Bloom Color

Blue to violet blue

Bloom Time

Summer and Fall

Foliage Color

Gray-green foliage (silvery-green)

Fall Foliage Color

Green, Grey, Silver, Silvery Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

High growth rate, reaching about 90–120 cm (3–4 ft) in height within a few seasons, slow to establish from seed with sluggish germination, 2–5 years to ultimate height, about 4 years to maturity.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, other pollinators, and birds